The first game of the NFL season is special. The NFL diluted it by moving the 22-year standard Thursday opener to Wednesday to fit a Netflix only special in on Thursday to squeeze more money out of its fans, but that’s a story for another time. Regardless, the home opener for the defending Super Bowl champs is always electric. With all that energy bouncing around, it didn’t take long for a quiet hush to fall over the festivities. With it, Anthony Richardson saw his future with the Colts.

Sam Darnold was the bottom of the barrel until he became the top of the heap. He was a quarterback that the Jets couldn’t wait to unload after a disastrous tenure as the franchise quarterback. Yes, it took him leaving to find his footing, but a resurgence in Minnesota, followed by the greatest achievement in the game with Seattle, found him as the toast of the town and the entire league. On the first drive of the game, Darnold injured his hip and didn’t return to the field. Drew Lock stepped in and led the Seahawks to victory.

Advertisement

That is the perfect example of how things can change in the NFL. The MRI for Darnold looks good, but it could have been bad, really bad. While Richardson isn’t rooting for Daniel Jones to get injured, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Jones misses time this season. It simply seems to be his M.O. If that happens, Richardson will be thrust into the spotlight with a chance to turn his career around. Darnold lasted one series, so that chance could present itself at any time. That should be enough of a glimpse into his Colts’ future to provide the motivation to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Ideally, for the Colts, Anthony Richardson won’t see much time this season. That means Daniel Jones stays healthy and upright. That isn’t guaranteed, however. Sam Darnold lasted five plays. No one saw that coming. Whether one sees it coming or not, Richardson should be ready for that very scenario. Wednesday was the best glimpse he could have into his future with the Colts.